Helm's, and several men started in immediate pursuit.

I was weary, and so intent on getting a little rest that I did not see my pursuers until they had well nigh reached the house where I was; but I _did_ see them in time to spring from the house with the agility of a deer, and to run for the woods as for life.

And indeed, I so considered it.

I was unarmed to be sure, and not prepared to defend myself against two or three men, armed to the teeth; but it would have gone hard with me before I surrendered myself to them, after having dreamed as I had, and anticipated the blessings of a free man.

I escaped them, thank God, and reached the woods, where I concealed myself for some time, and where I had ample opportunity to reflect on the injustice and cruelty of my oppressors, and to ask myself why it was that I was obliged to fly from my home.